21 Grams (Unreleased)
Dua Lipa
The Weight of the Soul: Exploring Dua Lipa's '21 Grams (Unreleased)'
Dua Lipa's unreleased track '21 Grams' delves into themes of emotional burden, escape, and the metaphysical weight of the soul. The song opens with a promise to ease a troubled mind, suggesting a deep emotional connection and a willingness to share in another's pain. The lyrics 'I'ma make your troubles mine' and 'Carry all this extra weight, you gotta let it go' highlight a sense of shared burden and mutual support, setting the tone for a bittersweet escape from life's difficulties.
The recurring motif of '21 grams' is particularly intriguing. This reference is often associated with the supposed weight of the human soul, a concept popularized by early 20th-century experiments. In the song, '21 grams in my pocket' could symbolize carrying the essence or spirit of someone, perhaps a lost loved one. The imagery of a 'body in the boot of my beat-up coupe' adds a darker, more mysterious layer, suggesting themes of loss, memory, and perhaps even guilt. The juxtaposition of these heavy themes with the repeated reassurance that 'it's alright' creates a complex emotional landscape.
The song also features vivid, almost cinematic imagery, such as 'Rest In Peace is mourningly all you left me with' and 'Light a match and burn the scene.' These lines evoke a sense of finality and cleansing, as if the narrator is trying to move past a painful chapter. The lullaby-like chorus, with its soothing 'lu-lu-lullaby-by,' contrasts sharply with the darker verses, offering a momentary escape and comfort. The repeated invitation to 'lay by my side' and 'go for a ride' suggests a desire for closeness and solace in the face of emotional turmoil.
Overall, '21 Grams' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the weight of the soul. It combines emotional depth with striking imagery, creating a song that resonates on multiple levels.